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Judge Keeps La Spezia Student in Custody as School Killing Triggers Protests and Security Drive

The case now centers on potential premeditation, with the school’s safeguards under official review.

Overview

  • An investigating judge confirmed pretrial detention for Zouhair Atif, with prosecutors weighing premeditation and citing the aggravating factor of a trivial motive.
  • The defense signaled it will seek a psychiatric evaluation, describing the suspect as isolated and previously prone to self‑harm.
  • Hundreds of students marched, refused to enter classes, and gathered at the courthouse, while the school activated psychological support and the city plans mourning on the funeral day.
  • Investigators point to jealousy over childhood photo exchanges with the suspect’s minor girlfriend as the alleged motive, consistent with her Instagram statement.
  • Education officials ordered an inspection and stressed targeted use of metal detectors, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni moves forward on a security decree tightening rules on knives and youth violence.